COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, July 13, 2012) – Colorado Rapids Academy midfielder Dillon Serna has been named to the United States Under-20 National Team by head coach Tab Ramos for the upcoming Northern Ireland Milk Cup. The Brighton, Colo. native is part of the 18-player roster for the tournament, which runs from July 21-26.

“Dillon continues making great strides in his game, and has been impressive for the Rapids U-18’s and with the first team in training,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “This is a great honor for both him and the club and we wish him and the U.S. U-20’s the best of luck in the upcoming tournament.”

The U.S., two-time winner of the competition, faces Denmark at 7 p.m. local time (12 noon MT) on Saturday, July 21, and meets Turkey on July 23 at 8 p.m. local time (1 p.m. MT). Also participating in the six-team tournament are hosts Northern Ireland, Chile and Mexico. The playoff games to determine final placement in the event, including the championship, will take place on Thursday, July 26. More information can be found at ussoccer.com.

Serna has previously participated with the United States Youth National Teams, having played every minute for the U.S. U-18’s at the Lisbon International Tournament this past May and was a part of the U.S. U-17’s at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico. The midfielder has been a standout this season for the Colorado Rapids Under-18 Team, which has advanced to Finals Week, the 8-team national championship for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Serna, who departs on Sunday to join the U.S., will miss Finals Week, which starts on Monday, July 16.

The left-footed midfielder has trained with the Rapids first team throughout this season, and has one assist in six games (four starts) in Rapids Reserves action in 2012. Serna will attend the University of Akron starting this fall, where he will play for the 2010 NCAA Division I champions.